Did you know that Nike’s New York store now offers customers an in-store basketball court? As customers play, cameras analyse their footwork and generate shoe recommendations.

By investing in such innovative, engaging experiences, retailers can maintain their bricks and mortar premises and compete with on-line businesses.

2. Enhance assortment planning with AI

If retailers could know exactly what their customers wanted then marketing and inventory management would be minimised, allowing retailers to invest in an engaging shopping experience. This will of course be specific to their products but this is an opportunity to introduce exciting robots to deliver the service whilst entertaining their customers.

The adoption AI-driven Business Analytics will allow the retailers to understand exactly what their customers want. This allows retailers to more effectively manage their operations, which involves establishing small outlets that stock exactly what local shoppers are looking for. By offering smaller, smarter product inventories, retailers will reap higher ROI and is robotics are part of this customer engagement then high labour costs are greatly reduced.

3. Coach customers through their decision journey

Winning customer loyalty is a game, and consumers are gaining more knowledge than ever before. To convert consumers into customers, retailers must meet them at every moment of their decision journey.

In conjunction with store enhancements that are designed to fully engage the customer, retailers also need to use the on-line tools and dynamic channels to attract customers to their stores. Thus, marketing skills also need to be in harmony with the customer engagement experience in the store.

4. Give customers a greater connection to products

This is also a marketing challenge. The retailers vision needs to consider the social impact of their products and this engagement needs to address all age groups. A strong social message empowers the customers who feel that they are part of the social good being offered. Classic examples are environmental challenges, association with certain charities and important social issues- homelessness, cancer research etc to mention a few.

5. Simplify shopping at every stage

In today’s complicated world, consumers are starving for simplicity. To stand out from the noise, retailers should offer simpler access to their products and services.

Simplicity and efficiency are the key to providing customer satisfaction. Modern technology allows this to occur with ever increasing speed.

Just as technology is evolving at an increasing rate - so do retailers need to monitor, research and engage to remain relevant.

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https://niska.com.au/blogs/news/how-artificial-intelligence-ai-will-change-the-retail-industry2019-08-28T10:32:00+10:002019-08-28T14:28:11+10:00How Artificial Intelligence (AI) will Change the Retail IndustryAlexandr GolubevArtificial Intelligence is the hottest and most promising development in the tech landscape for a couple of years, now. According to the market firm Tractica, global AI revenues will see a massive growth from just USD 643.7 million in 2016 to an excess of USD 36.8 billion in 2025.

In conjunction with IOT developments, many market segments, industries, and businesses are actively interested in AI and are seeking to engage with this technology for business benefits and in the retail sector to re-engage with customers.

AI offers companies the power to reduce costs and make the shopping experience much more delightful and efficient for the end consumers. The retail sector is actively seeking options that will revitalise the industry. Failure to do so will see a continual decline in customer engagement- particularly with an ever-increasing online presence. Robotics and AI offer solutions and progressive retailers will be engaging more and more in an effort to re-engage with their customers.

The Retail-AI Syndicate

According to Global Market Insights, investments in AI by retail segment will exceed USD 8 billion by 2024. As more applications for machine learning, predictive analytics and deep learning technologies are experimented with success, digital disruption in retail segment is bound to happen at a much rapid pace.

Globally, AI experts believe that the technology offers a wide range of applications for the retail segment. In the coming year, retail will see greater infusion of AI-based solutions in day-to-day operations. AI will definitely change the customer service cycle in retail and both retailers as well as the consumers are bound to benefit from the AI-Retail syndicate.

Robotic/digital assistance will be a reality

Using AI, smart analytics and natural language processing technology, retail stores can give customers the power to get instant support, inside the stores. By placing robots and touch panels, stores can help customers locate an item, get answers to their queries and find out how a product can make their life easier.

With the help of customer service bots powered by AI, stores can reduce their manpower costs and provide 24×7 assistance to the customers. Not only will it improve customer service levels but will definitely attract more buyers to the store.

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https://niska.com.au/blogs/news/evolution-of-robots2019-08-28T09:52:00+10:002019-08-28T14:25:17+10:00Evolution of RobotsAlexandr GolubevIn 320 BC, Greek philosopher Aristotle made this famous quote: “If every tool, when ordered, or even of its own accord, could do the work that befits it... then there would be no need either of apprentices for the master workers or of slaves for the lords.”

Since that time humankind has progressively developed concepts that have advanced the field of robotics. Science fiction writers and movie makers have pushed the expectations of robot functionality beyond the capabilities of the day. It is now more than 7 decades since Isaac Asimov proposed the 3 basic laws of robotics. Since then we have seen the advent of AI and search engine algorithms. Over the years, robots have evolved structurally and with ever increasing software improvements. Robot integration into industry has been most prominent especially in motor vehicle manufacture. Domestic use has involved systems such as robotic vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers etc. In commerce they play a role in inventory control and distribution. In retail, a more recent phenomenon has seen robots offering customer service with a minimum of human-robot interaction. A good example of this is the Pepper robot which is a Japanese invention and marketed by Softbank Ltd. It is currently used in a number of retail situations including some major Banks.

Functionality in retail is a relatively new initiative and particularly when functional robots are used in conjunction with social robots - allowing for a totally new and exciting retail experience. Such systems are in development - so please watch this space.

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https://niska.com.au/blogs/news/functional-and-human-interacting-robots2019-08-27T12:51:00+10:002019-08-29T10:11:42+10:00Functional and human-interacting robotsAlexandr Golubev
Functional robots are designed to carry out specific functions according to the algorithms developed in their software. Functionality is therefore prescribed according to a set of commands that give the robot specificity in respect of the task. This may involve a human to direct the robot (such as medical robots that can perform tasks with great precision under the command of a surgeon). In industry functional robots are tasked to perform repetitious tasks on a 24/7 basis. These have replaced humans to enable not only lower labour costs but importantly can maintain precision continuously without fatigue that in humans often leads to errors and costly readjustments. Thus, a functional robot can be relied upon to perform identical tasks with precision and also a series of tasks that are driven by variable commands. Thus, the same robot can deliver specifically ordered items to a customer and also, in quiet times, entertain the customer by manipulating, for example, a stereo stylus onto a vinyl record and then dancing to the music. Such retail entertainment will soon be launched.

Social Robots on the other hand are designed to interact with humans. Human - Robot interaction (HRI) is a relatively new and exciting field. It relies upon AI in which the social robot can learn and remember specific interactions. For example- imagine a retail store with a social robot that can remember faces and names and say such things as

“hello Wendy, you ordered vanilla ice-cream last time you visited, do you with the same today?” Programming systems are continually evolving and with these and functional robots there is a growing need for new skill sets. Whilst these robots may replace humans as sales staff behind a counter, the demand for robotic skills and programming will increase. There will be a shift in training and skill requirements as has happened continuously throughout the industrial revolution and now the techno-revolution. It is not so long ago that office buildings had typing pools with dozens or more typists producing documents. These no longer exist but are replaced by more advanced technologies.

While not yet a commonplace sight, retail robots are starting to conduct many tasks to help stores manage inventory, address worker shortages, and extend operations.

Most people are aware of the robots that are involved with assembling, packing, or handling items before they reach retail stores. Now, some retail robots are starting to change how human employees work and shoppers purchase goods in stores. Here are some tasks that retail robots are conducting and where consumers can see them in daily life.

Retail robots can spot mistakes on shelf labels

It’s frustrating for both cashiers and consumers when people try to pay for items and discover something’s ringing up at a different price than what the shelf tag indicated.

Walmart has deployed mobile robots from Bossa Nova Robotics in 50 stores. These retail robots move through the aisles and use cameras to identify problems with the labels on shelves. When they find errors, they alert humans to fix the problems.

This system could be more efficient than using humans alone to identify label issues. Also, the robots might find discrepancies that sales floor team members miss.

(2) They can sell things

Research indicates millennials make up nearly a quarter of the U.S. population and are responsible for $200 billion in purchases every year. In comparison with previous generations, millennials also supposedly put a higher value on convenience and don’t mind trading human interactions for faster, automated experiences. With that in mind, some retailers are experimenting with retail robots that handle the roles humans normally fill.

A humanoid robot called Pepper has a human-like face and a tablet on its chest, and Nestlé has used it in numerous Japanese department stores to sell coffee makers. The robot was developed by Nestlé and SoftBank’s French branch, Aldebaran. Pepper understands about 80% of conversations and can use the information it picks up to help customers.

People can also walk up to a Robofusion kiosk and order an ice cream. The Robofusion robotics technology was designed and built by Robofusion’s own team. After customers choose what they want using a touchscreen, robotic dispensers dole out the frozen treat, plus the essential toppings — with no human workers in sight. This however does not engage the public and is more of a vending machine.

(3) Robots can monitor stock levels for better efficiency

If people see empty spaces on a shelf, they may assume products are sold out without taking the time to check with a store associate. That’s why it’s important for retailers to keep an eye on inventory levels and maintain shelves that are as full as possible.

Amazon, which sold the equivalent of 306 items per second during the holiday shopping season, uses Kiva to retrieve items for customers.

Target conducted a trial of a robot called Tally that checked for instances of products running low. The retail robots were built by Silicon Valley start-up Simbe Robotics. Tally also has a scanner that allows it to see if an item is in the wrong place on a shelf or not priced correctly.

Another innovation called the AdvanRobot, developed by Keonn Technologies, scans RFID codes faster than humans can and aids in inventory management. However, it requires an operator using a joystick to move the robot around the desired area and teach it where to go. After that, the AdvanRobot runs autonomously.

So, while the robots Target tested move around by themselves at first, the AdvanRobot needs initial movement input.

(4) Retail robots can help shoppers find items

If people can’t locate what they want at one store, they may leave a retailer and go to another. However, Lowe’s partnered with Fellow Robots to create an in-store bot called the LoweBot to assist people with locating items, thereby potentially reducing the chances shoppers might get upset and leave disappointed.

Users can either verbally state which items they want, or they can type them in on an interactive keyboard. The LoweBot then uses technology similar to what helps autonomous cars move along roads to guide shoppers to the correct aisle. People follow the robot to where they should go and see location-based offers on the LoweBot screen.

(5) They can make opening hours obsolete

Retail executives have the tough task of figuring out which opening times are most profitable for entire cities or particular store branches. For example, a store that sells office supplies around the clock might do a booming business in a university town where lots of students work on projects or cram for exams through the night.

People often call New York City “the city that never sleeps,” and a Best Buy location in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan used a robot called Chloe to retrieve merchandise for customers 24/7. People use automated kiosks throughout the store to indicate what they want to buy, then Chloe uses a giant arm to get those products from a vending machine and dispense them for customers.

The founders created NISKA in a way that it is not only friendly and fun to interact with, but also beneficial for development of society at large. NISKA Team vision deeply cares about the Universal Basic Income movement and believe that food, shelter and medicine is the right of each human being. No one should be pushed to do a job against their will under the threat of homelessness or starvation.

Because of existence of collaborative robots, we will be able to work together! You can take care of the more interesting and creative jobs, while robots will do the repetitive tasks (and don’t judge robots for loving them!). With projects like NISKA being around, new occupations will be created – for instance, the ownership of a franchise! You can express your creativity, spend time on self development, family, sport and hobbies, while still being in business and earning income. Premium food manufacturers will have the opportunity to become pioneers providing new interactive retail experiences to their customers.

A recognized Australian University will contribute to fundamental knowledge in the robotics industry globally by testing unique human—robot interaction and social behaviours as a reaction to it. Finally, Australia will become a global stakeholder in the new automated food retail technology. As you see, NISKA is here to dream big and make it happen!

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https://niska.com.au/blogs/news/our-robotic-couturier2019-08-08T17:42:00+10:002019-08-27T16:37:16+10:00Our robotic couturierKate OrlovaJacqui Sale is a qualified designer, who in 2019 combined her love of fashion, beauty and cosplay to develop unique costumes for our robot buddies Eka and Tony. Today, Eka and Tony can express their personalities through fashion choices. These costumes are first in the world to address the needs of robot movements and aesthetics at the same time.

Inspiration for the robot costumes were taken from the vintage look and feel of the first ice creameries, to capture the essence of the ice cream history. Fascinating how old and new are blended in together.

We invite you to see the fashion pieces at NISKA store Federation Square.

The International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2018) was held in sunny Brisbane in May of this year. It attracted 3,000 experts in the field of robotics and this year the NISKA team took this opportunity to secure the “start-up” space atICRA18. The ICRA conference has an impressive history of events – 35 years!

Niska used this opportunity to learn and to develop an expanding network of like-minded professionals and businesses.

The overall message NISKA took from the robotics industry is that which was said by Professor Rodney Allen Brooks Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science

Professor Brooks said.

“It’s sort of criminal to have a person standing there who’s not allowed to go on a bathroom break for hours doing some stupid task.

“So we’re trying to give them tools so they can get the robot to do that stupid task and they can do something much more cognitive.”

There was an amazing showcase of robotics technology around the hall – the future is indeed here and the future looks bright: automated flying cars, social service robots to assist us, medical robotics to facilitate surgeons at various operations, robots that are going to rescue people and gather critical information at the high risk areas during natural and commercial disasters.

NISKA was granted an opportunity to pitch to the audience and to share our team’s excitement about the NISKA’s retail robotics project.

Based on comprehensive research and development NISKA team has successfully invented a first of its kind robotic ice cream scooping system. The initial hypothesis was that with a robot we can achieve consistently portioned scoops of ice cream and be able to work our way down into the tub until the contents of the tub are emptied. The technical objective was to develop robotic methodology which will scoop ice-cream repetitively and reliably. The unique project involved innovation and technical risk in order to generate the new knowledge needed to achieve the desired functional outcome. The developments required software development and bespoke engineering techniques that together enable the robot to automate a production process that also involves sensitive interaction with the human end user.

This invention is significant and allow us to move forward to commercial operation.

Visiting “Good Robot/Bad Robot” event at Opera House

What will it mean to be living in a world powered by AI and Intelligent machines?

NISKA team seeks answer at the science week Presented by Sydney Opera House and UNSW’s Centre for Ideas.

The morality of self “thinking and learning” machines is a very controversial topic as humankind is yet to define the meaning of “love” “friendship” “empathy” in strict terms. How can we possibly explain the meaning of acting like a human to machines, if we are unable to reach an understanding in our own heads. NISKA shares the vision of Professor Toby Walsh (Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at UNSW) that robots, no matter how intelligent we make them, should never be used against human beings; replacing humans in the battlefield is one of the strongest and most frightening examples. Professor Walsh asserts that machines should not be allowed to make life-or-death decisions in the military, making the killing a remote task of a machine – it is an illusion that those machines won’t be ever used against us.

Another powerful topic that caught NISKA’s attention is: “Will Robots of the future be different to citizens of different countries”? Existing regulations of the robotic industries are still blurry and fall into grey zone of interpretation. Countries apply their own legislations upon internal Government decision. As an example, will it mean that robots implemented in Australia will differ in regulatory law applicable to them from robots implemented in third world countries? Now it the time to start thinking about it – Governments should make a united proactive decision on robotics legislations.

Overall speakers agreed that robots could make our lives more meaningful by helping us with routine time-wasting tasks. Potentially robots will facilitate our learning and development, and will assist and motivate us to make healthy lifestyle choices. The discussions led to some in the panel of speakers to proffer that there needs to be remuneration reassessments on those meaningful jobs and occupations (such as child care providers, teachers, carers and other similar professions) which require significant emotional envelopment from the people engaged .